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While soap and water serve as a simple and safe cleaner for granite, they may, over time, leave behind a scum or residue. Dish soap used near the sink may also cause a thick buildup on a granite countertop. Remove either type of buildup by scraping it away or by using a granite-safe soap-scum remover.

Removing Thick Buildup

A thick buildup that resembles a small mound or drip of hardened dish soap is fairly simple to remove. Pick at it with your fingernail or the bowl of a plastic spoon. Use a plastic gift card or plastic knife to scrape more of it away or use a plastic paint scraper. Wet the area and wipe it down with a cloth to remove any remaining soapy residue. Repeat the scraping process if any soap remains; it may take several attempts to scrape away every layer.

Scraping Dish Soap Scum

If you clean your granite surface with dish soap and water -- or any type of soap, for that matter -- it may leave behind a dull film or scum. This type of residue can be removed -- carefully -- with a razor scraper. Wet the affected granite; then gently scrape away the scum, holding the scraper as close to parallel with the granite as possible. Make sure the tool is completely flat against the granite to avoid causing small scratches. Keep a soft cloth handy to buff the granite after you've scraped it to check your progress. Wipe the area with a damp, soft cloth afterwards; then buff it dry to ensure the soap residue has been removed.

Stone-Specific Cleaners

If you're unable to remove some of the soap residue by scraping and wiping it with a damp cloth, purchase a cleaner made specifically for stone household surfaces. Wet the granite; then spray the cleaner directly on the affected area. Wait 15 minutes, or as recommended on the product package; then wipe it away with a damp, soft cloth. For best results, use a stone cleaner designed to remove soap scum from granite and marble.

Skip the Household Soap-Scum Removers

Granite is porous and should not be sprayed with harsh chemicals, such as shower-tile or soap scum cleaners designed for fiberglass and non-porous surfaces. Even vinegar may etch stone and should not be used. Only use soap-scum removers designed specifically for stone.Skip harsh abrasives such as steel wool or wire brushes as well, as these may scratch or damage the finish protecting the granite.

About the Author

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies.